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Aug. 14, 2024 |  By: Deborah Van Fleet - Public News Service

Healthy routines, well-child checks good for NE back-to-school

children

By Deborah Van Fleet - Public News Service

Many Nebraska children have already started school and others will do so within the next week or so.

Parents can play a big role in making sure children get a good start in the new school year.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, reminded parents their children need routines. She encouraged reestablishing any routines relaxed during summer vacation.

"Do you have family dinners on a regular basis? I recognize that you can't do that every night; everyone's busy and sometimes running in different directions," Randall acknowledged. "But doing that as often as possible really does create a routine that's predictable and healthy for the child."

In addition to promoting good health, Randall pointed out a healthy sleep routine can help children feel more confident and stable. And she encouraged scheduling well-child checkups. She emphasized parents should be prepared for the family physician or pediatrician to inquire about their child's emotional and behavioral as well as physical well-being.

Dr. Roberto Marcelin, assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, added a crucial part of the well-child visit is reviewing immunizations and medications.

"Certain vaccinations are very important based on their grade, such as a tetanus or meningitis," Marcelin recommended. "Also, making sure that the child has his or her inhaler or EpiPen, or whatever other medications they may need for allergies. We are around that time."

When it comes to sleep habits, Marcelin advised restricting caffeine, limiting screen time to two hours a day and keeping television out of the bedroom will help. He also recommended having a "wind-down routine."

"Make sure the room is dark, make sure it's quiet," Marcelin urged. "If you're going to read, if you're going to homework, do so off the bed. Just to get your body in the habit of when you get on the bed, it's time to go to bed. You close your eyes, you relax and you fall asleep."

Encouraging children to be physically active for at least an hour a day will also contribute to good sleep habits, Marcelin added.